Robert Gant Showtime Chat

June 15, 2003

SHO_Moderator: Robert Gant plays "Ben" on Queer As Folk. Acting since the age of ten, this Tampa, Florida native is used to being in front of the camera. Surprisingly, Gant pursed a law degree at Georgetown University School of Law, and even worked in Los Angeles at the world's largest law firm before pursuing his television career. Never giving up on his true passion of acting, Gant performed in numerous theatrical productions during his time in Los Angeles. This decision to act in his spare time proved wise when his law firm closed just four months into his job. Taking that as an omen, he made the decision to focus all of his time on his acting and has been working ever since. Gant's most recent television work was seen on the WB's "Popular" in which he played eccentric vice principal Krupps. Gant's other television work includes guest-starring roles on "Friends," "Caroline in the City," "Veronica's Closet," "Becker," "Melrose Place" and "Ellen." He also appeared in the independent film "The Contract" and in the recently released "Fits and Starts". Good evening everyone. Thanks for logging on. Robert is now ready to begin the chat. Let's get started!

Robert Gant: Hey there guys! I'm very excited to be chatting with you again. I didn't know if it was actually going to happen today. But it looks like we got it in just under the wire. So what have you got for me tonight?

 

malckwan: In light of your involvement with SAGE (Senior Action in a Gay Environment), would you like to see more interaction between Ben and Vic in a mentoring relationship since Vic is not only an elder in the community but also a positive gay man and could be a mentor for Ben in his struggles living with HIV?

Robert Gant: Hey Malcolm, how are you doing? Sorry that I haven't responded to your emails ... but speaking to your question I think it's a great idea. I would love to see more interaction between Ben and Vic. I of course am not a writer of the show. However, it's something that I believe they would like to see happen. I would definitely like to see it happen. Jack (the actor who plays Vic), and I have talked about what sort of relationship the characters have off-camera, and it would be really nice to have that played out on the screen.
 

angelys: Hi Robert, I really enjoy the show even more now that you're on it. My question is this, you were a lawyer before becoming an actor. Do you ever miss being an attorney, do you have any regets?

Robert Gant: Are you serious? You've GOT to be kidding me! I have to be very careful with these sorts of responses because I REALLY don't want to offend any of those hard-working lawyers out there. I however, am very glad that I'm no longer among those ranks. HOnestly, I have no regrets whatsoever. I'm doing the job I've dreamed of doing ... having what I believe to be a positive effect on the way society looks at gay people. I LOVE what I do.
 

qaf2923: I know that scenes are shot out of sequence and no one character is in every scene, are you surprised at the final look of an episode?

Robert Gant: Great question! It's funny. When I read a script, I get a mental picture of how an episode is going to look. And yes, it's ALWAYS a surprise. And I have to say for the better, because I never really think about the impact of the lighting and the music and the editing and the direction and the inteprretation of performances are going to have on an episode. And I think that our show's episodes look REALLY good. We have some of Canada's premiere indie film directors directing these episodes. And we' are very fortunate to have them. And thus they have what I believe to have a look that doesn't exist anywhere else on TV. So yeah, it's always a surprise, but like I said, a good one.
 

farmer: Hi Robert. What is your favorite episode you have done so far?

Robert Gant: Hey Farmer! How's the Dell? You see why I don't write or do much comedy! That's a tough one, actually. I would have to say that my favorites would be Episodes 16 and 18 from the second season. And Episodes 6 and 7 from this season, where Ben was dealing with all the steroid stuff. I guess at the end of the day, it's really between 6 and 7.
 

moonglo: Hi Robert. Did you do research on Steroids ? You gave a great performance

Robert Gant: Hey Moonglo! Not a lot of research. We were given (when I say we, I mean the producers and I, and writers ) were given some background information on steroid use. And on the effects of abusing steroids. I also spoke to a doctor who has some knowledge of patients who are taking steroids. And talked about how to portray mood swings in a realistic manner. And the truth be told, in L.A. it's hard to go to the gym without seeing and experiencing lots of guys on steroids. So I guess I've been researching it for years.
 

sdboltz55: Hi Robert. I love the show and never miss it. I was curious if you knew if they were going to make Ben "sick" in the future to deal more with that issue?

Robert Gant: To be honest, I don't have much if any knowledge of what's coming down the pike for Ben. THe writers are just now getting together and brainstorming ideas for Season 4. So, I'm actually excited to find out ... to get a glimpse of ... what kinds of stuff I'll have to work with in the next season. But I hope that it's not the sickness thing because that to some extent has been dealt with in Vic's character and also Ben has had hospital experiences already. So I'd like to see how else we forward the topic, or in what other original ways.
 

kma2800003: How do you keep in such great shape?

Robert Gant: It's not that easy to stay in great shape when you love food as much as I do. I recently spent a lot of time educating myself on proper nutrition. I pretty much grew up in the drive-thru lane in McDonald's and never learned to eat well as a child. So it's really been an ongoing process to learn how to care for my body. And God knows I love M&M's. I've been exercising since I was 15. A lot of people ask me how I've achieved my physical shape and I have to say that longevity has more to do with it than anything. But I definitely do a lot of aerobic work.



gene: hey robert...how does it fell having the best build on the show!? are the others always trying to keep or catch up!?

Robert Gant: Who says I have the best build on the show? Do I? Wow! Thanks. Nice of you to say. I don't know that I agree. My sense is that everybody has a different type, so I really, I guess, don't see myself as having "the best body" on the show.



triad666: since you entered the show late, did you have any trouble being accepted by the rest of the cast

Robert Gant: Hey Triad! Not at all! I don't believe that a nicer group of actors exists. They couldn't have been any cooler. And I've worked with a number of different casts on different shows over the years. And there's a lot of enthusiasm for what we do among the actor ranks. And I already knew Peter Page before getting to Toronto.



gantgazing: You played a Professer in the movie Teaching Mrs. Tingle and now your playing one on QAF...is that a profession you like portraying as an actor?

Robert Gant: I actually DO like getting to play a teacher. IN fact I also played a kindergarten teacher on Friends. As well as an administrator (vice-principal) on Popular. And I sense that it's probably no mistake. I was an English major and love literature and also love to learn and help others to learn. So yeah, it's actually a lot of fun.



dubled2k: LOve the show and your role, how do you like Ben and how much are you and Ben alike?

Robert Gant: I really DIG Ben! I think he's a great character. Part of why I wanted to take the role in the first place had to do with the fact that I felt like we had some things in common. As I said to the previous question, we both share a love of literature. Fitness is important for both of us. We're both very much interested in a spiritual path. And I remember that the breakdown for the character said that Ben was just as comfortable on the dance floor as in the classroom. And boy, I love to dance. And I love that I'm actually getting to play a role with depth. This isn't the sort of character that many actors get to play. At best, it's the sort of character that we get to do in an acting class. Most roles that we play and work in television, and that has certainly been the case for me. Are fairly stock characters. And Ben is unlike any character I've ever come across. And I think he's only going to get better.



laviebohemenyc: Yo Robert, what up from New Yawk, I just wanted to ask you what kind of impact do you think your character Ben has had on the show

Robert Gant: Whaddup Lavie! I think Ben has added a level of maturity to the show. I think that the characters when they began were very much at the beginning of an evolutionary process that they're somewhere in the middle of now. And I think Ben cam to the show having done a lot of work on himself. I think also part of why the producers like the character was that when they actually saw him on the screen they felt like his was a voice that didn't otherwise exist. And I think he's also a really interesting counterbalance to Brian. They're both very strong alpha gay male characters. Who believe strongly in their life paths and yet htose paths are so divergent. They're virtually polar opposites. I thnk that makes Ben's addition to the show an important one.



ana: I love the way having Hunter in their lives has started to change Ben and Michael and their relationship. It's interesting to see that while they're helping him to change they're changing themselves. Have you seen this as a good aspect of character growth for the two of you?

Robert Gant: I think HUnter's addition has made for terrific character growth for Michael and Ben. Ben has been yearning to be a father and it has unwittingly been thrust upon him in a way that he never would have expected. I think that's what's so interesting about this dynamic, this season and gay relationships in general. Gay people create their families. And they create them in very different ways. And that's part of what the season is about. What makes a family. And I remember that one of the things that excited the writers about this storyline was the idea of getting to see this very unconventional family all sitting down to dinner at Grandma Debbie's house. I think there's enormous potential for character growth and relationship growth through Hunter's introduction.



cleo82: Hi, it is father's day and you show a great paternal interest in Hunter. Are you a father figure for anyone?

Robert Gant: Hey there Cleo! Great question. I have wanted to be a dad since I was a kid. And thought for a long time that being gay was going to keep that from happening. But I know now that that's not the case. And while I'm not a father figure yet for anyone, I sense that it will happen before too long.



mia21: What is the number one quality you look for in a man?

Robert Gant: I actually don't think there's one. I like lots of different things. I like intelligence and the ability to discuss anything. I'd have to put intelligence and ability to communicate WAY UP THERE. I'm blushing, let's go to the next question!



mobyone: What do you do to relax, any hobbies?

Robert Gant: Hey Moby, are you related to Obi-Wan? I'm a pretty driven guy. I tetnd to be a "do-er". I actually find that it's a little hard for me to slow down so metimes. So relaxing has become REALLY important. I love to read. And I just like to come home after a day of working or doing stuff around town and light candles and put on some really cool music ... and just lay on the couch. And doing that alongside someone would be great! I'm still looking for that someone.



steve: Is your spiritual path the same as Ben's? Are you studying Buddhism?

Robert Gant: I was watching Larry King one night and he was interviewing Madonna. And he asked her which of her many religious pursuits she most preferred. And she said that all paths lead to God. And I think that's why I have tended to come at spirituality from as broad-based a place as I can. Buddhism is definitely part of that. I have read a lot on Buddhism. I have spent some time for awhile going to a local Buddhist temple. And learned to meditate. So I've not been so great at keeping up the practice as of late. In fact that's probably one of the best ways for me to relax, in response to that earlier question. So I wouldn't consider myself a practicing Buddhist by any strethc. However, I have great respect for the religion. And it DEFINITELY influences the way that I think about many different things. And often influences the way I make decisions.



marq: Hello Robert, I saw your coming out last Summer during Outfest, the LA Gay/Lesbian Film Festival , which I was very honored, moved and proud to see. Why did you choose that moment to do that? Did it have to do with getting more comfortable with yourself and the role that you play on the show?

Robert Gant: Great question Marq! I didn't really choose that moment. In fact, I felt a little odd about taking the time at Outfest to come out publicly since the event was about film. However, backstage Peter Paige kept insisting that I HAD to do it. That that's really what Outfest was all about. And it was the same week that the Advocate article was coming out. So to speak. And I thought that doing so verbally was important. And as Peter said to me, you only get one chance to do this. So I brought one of the magazines with me and actually held it up to the crowd. It was an amazing moment for me. One I'll never forget. Thanks for asking.



mnguy: Do you have any other projects going on during your haitus from QAF?

Robert Gant: I just finished filming a very small part (pretty much a cameo) in an independent feature called "Marie and Bruce" starring Julianne Moore and Matthew Broderick. I have a cool little scene where I'm hitting on Julianne Moore. And every great thing you've heard about her is true! She is one of the coolest actresses I've ever met. INcredibly down-to-earth and beautiful in every way. Tomorrow night I am doing a reading of a play by Nick Steele called "Stay" at the Zipper Theatre in New York. Along with actresses Kate Mulgrew of Star Trek Voyager Fame. And Lois Smith and Jane Petrov. And that's all for the moment.



ihailu: Have you gotten much response to your character, and how Ben has affected people's lives? Or how you have affected their lives through interviews?

Robert Gant: Hi, thanks for the question. Yes, I get a lot of emails from people as odd as it may sound, around the world who have responded to Ben. Some funny, some very moving. Some incredibly sad. I forget because I live in L.A. and work in Toronto and sometimes New York that there are so many people out there still struggling to come out of the closet. And so many people struggling with issues around HIV. I've gotten some interesting letters from people (guys), who say that they're for the first time dating someone who is HIV positive. And relating the excitement and nervousness. It's really exciting to hear that the character's having an effect.



rob: Robert, out of your entire acting career thus far, what would you say has been your "Crowning Achievement" or do you feel that you've reached that point in your career yet?

Robert Gant: My career just keeps getting better. However there's no doubt that playing Ben and workingon QAF trumps every other acting experience that I've had by far.



bookitty: Hi Bobby. I absolutely adore you and Hal Sparks. you have done some extremely difficult storylines this season. The steroid episodes must have been very challenging. your facial expressions were right on target. How difficult for you was it to go from one emotion to another in what seemed to be a split second?

Robert Gant: Hey bookitty, thanks for all the great posts that you've written. I've spotted you once or twice in the teacher's lounge. It's funny, if I'm doing my job right, I'm really not aware of going from one emotion or impression to the next. I'm only focused on meeting my objective in the scene, or getting across whatever point I'm trying to get across. I think the toughest part of playing the steroid scenario was that I experienced a lot of spillover emotion in my l ife. I actually think I was a bit of a jerk to be around sometimes. I so "took on" Ben's pain and his intensity that one director commented when I was working on episode 7 that even throughout the rest of the day, he was feeling all the anger radiating out from me. And I have to say that I have never been so happy to see a storyline end as much as I loved it. Because I haven't really figured out yet how to recover from the more intense preparation that the characters sometimes call for. I need to talk to my acting instructor about that one.



summerwind: Bobby, how many takes do you generally have to do and how do you sustain emotion during the challenging scenes?

Robert Gant: Hey summerwind, good to hear from you! It's Wanda, right? The number of takes varies. The thing about TV is that unlike film, the pace is incredibly fast. We very often only get two takes. So I save up those moments when I really want that extra take because I can be a bit of a perfectionist and because the portrayal of the character means a lot to me. The sustaining it part is tricky. It's funny, I was talking to Scott Lowell about my whole steroid experience, as he was prepping for his crystal abuse storyline. And I remember seeing him behind the scenes in the middle of that state of mind, and not really able to engage in light conversation because he was staying in the middle of that experience. That's what has happened often with me for Ben. It's a bit of a bummer becuase everybody else will be joking around, having fun and I feel like I don't want to let up on the intensity of whatever emotional state I'm in. Not until the day's done, or certainly, the scene.



kimnlee: I know that Michelle has some dance experience. However in the music video you and Peter looked pretty good. Do either of you have a dance background?

Robert Gant: I have been dancing since I was a little kid. In fact, my dad and brother and I used to perform for my mom. We did that for years. And that was followed by me taking tap and jazz for several years. Funny you mention the video. I was really bummed that day because I was one of the people really championing the video to the cast. And they opted to shoot the video on a day when it was all Michael and Ben scenes. So Hal and I actually mostly got about 20 minutes in front of the camera. So I didn't even begin busting a move. I was SERIOUSLY ready to throw down and dance my ass off. And I LOVE to dance my butt off. And I have to say I also was shocked at how quickly Hal picked up all the choreography. The guy is a bit of a prodigy, I think. He's just one of those guys that can pretty much do anything. I was amazed at what a great dancer he was. I would LOVE to get the chance to do something like that again.



tonsoffunone: How can we send you e-mail, (or to other cast members)?

Robert Gant: I have emails forwarded to me from my website "robertgant.com". I imagine the best way to contact the rest of the actors is through their websites, if that's an option. Or write the production office at Showtime. Heck if I know! I have really enjoyed chatting with you guys tonight. I hope we can do it again. I really appreciate all your support of the show and of Ben. I hope you're having as much fun with it as I am! I'll see you soon.



SHO_Moderator: Thank you for chatting with Robert. We hope you've enjoyed the chat and tonight's episode of Queer As Folk. Copyright ©2003, Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved.